Just south of Island Park, nestled within the Henry’s Fork Caldera, lies Harriman State Park—a pristine, 11,000-acre wildlife refuge with a story as rich as its landscapes. Once the private playground of railroad barons and now one of Idaho’s premier state parks, Harriman offers a glimpse into both the grandeur of nature and the vision of the people who preserved it.

From Railroad Royalty to Rustic Retreat
In the early 1900s, the Harriman family—of Union Pacific Railroad fame—purchased this scenic expanse as a personal refuge and working cattle ranch. Known as the Railroad Ranch, it served as a summer retreat for some of America’s wealthiest and most powerful families, including Averell Harriman, who would later become a U.S. Ambassador and Governor of New York.
But despite its elite connections, the ranch was never extravagant. The Harrimans and their guests favoured rustic cabins, horseback rides, fly fishing, and quiet communion with the natural world. The family’s deep appreciation for this land laid the groundwork for its future as a protected park.

Birth of a Park, Gift to the People
In 1977, the Harriman family donated the entire property to the State of Idaho under one condition: that it be preserved as a state park and remain undeveloped, protecting the wildlife and scenic integrity of the area. This generous act of conservation ensured that generations of visitors could experience the region’s unspoiled beauty just as the Harrimans had.
Today, Harriman State Park is managed by Idaho Parks and Recreation and serves as a model of sustainable recreation and wildlife stewardship.

Wildlife and Wonder in Every Season
The park’s sprawling meadows, wetlands, and forests are home to moose, elk, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, bears, and over 200 species of birds. It’s one of the best places in the West for wildlife viewing and photography, particularly along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, which winds serenely through the park.
In summer, visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and fly fishing in one of the region’s most serene settings. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with miles of groomed trails and few crowds.

A Place of Reflection and Simplicity
Harriman isn’t about thrill rides or fast-paced fun. It’s about slowing down, breathing deep, and reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world. Whether you’re wandering through tall grasses at sunrise or watching swans glide across Silver Lake, the park offers a rare and quiet majesty.
Harriman State Park is more than a park—it’s a promise kept. A promise to preserve Idaho’s wild heart, to honour its history, and to invite all who visit to be part of something lasting and meaningful.

At Blue Buffalo Resort, we’re proud to have this treasure in our backyard. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, make time for Harriman. You won’t forget it.